Starmer declares UK recognition of Palestine as independent state

PM says decision shows commitment to peace and two-state solution

- Pippa Crerar, Patrick Wintour, Peter Walker

The UK now formally recognises Palestine as an independent state, Keir Starmer declared yesterday in a deeply symbolic announcement that the government hopes will show its commitment to peace in the region and ease domestic political tensions.

In a sign of the global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Canada and Australia also declared their recognition of Palestine yesterday before a conference of the UN general assembly in New York.

Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, immediately condemned the announcement - which the UK sees as a lever to push for a lasting settlement to end the illegal occupation of Palestine - calling it "absurd" and "a reward for terrorism".

Starmer insisted the government's decision was not a reward for Hamas and said the terrorist group's senior figures would face further UK sanctions in coming weeks, and the group would play no part in a future reformed and elected Palestinian government. All remaining Israeli hostages must be released, Starmer added.

Downing Street believes that recognition will help counter some of the criticism it has faced at home, including from in the cabinet and among Labour MPs, over its response to the Gaza crisis in the run-up to what is expected to be a politically fraught annual conference.

In a video message to the nation, Starmer said: "The hope of a two-state solution is fading but we cannot let that light go out... Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly, as prime minister of this great country, that the UK formally recognises the state of Palestine.

"In the face of the growing horrors in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment we have neither."